Carpenter finding success as position player for CMU

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- For the first time since his freshman year, Garrett Carpenter is stepping back into the batter's box for the Mavericks baseball team.

Carpenter's collegiate career primarily consists of pitching statistics. After recovering from elbow surgery in his left arm, Carp - as his teammates call hime - returned to the mound in 2012 to throw a 6-4 record in 14 starts.

Before taking the field this year, the southpaw approached his coach and told him he'd like to get back into playing an everyday position in addition to pitching relief work.

"My dad always haggles me about going back to outfield, so [I] just went to it and got to get better every day," Carpenter said on Wednesday.

"I'm just trying to do the best to help the team win, so if I come out of the bullpen that's fine with me," he added.

Carpenter has started in four of the first seven games in the field this season.

He took home the honor for best offensive player in the RMAC this past weekend after notching seven hits, seven runs, and five RBI in three games at home against Montana State-Billings.

He hasn't given up on pitching, in case you're wondering. He's made three appearances on the mound this season. He's allowed no runs and two hits, struck out six and walked one in 3.2 innings-pitched.

"It feels good to be playing again. It helps playing every day," said Carpenter, "so it brings the love of baseball back to me."

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